Cheers and Jeers

Cheers ... to Danny Mossburg, a senior at R-S Central, for being named to the North Carolina All-State Honors Band. Danny’s achievement proves what we already know, that is talent in Rutherford County.

Cheers ... to R-S senior Dustin Cook on winning First Place in Architectural Drafting during the 2013 SkillsUSA State Conference. Best wishes to this talented young man as he travels to Kansas City, Mo., in June to represent North Carolina in the SkillsUSA National Conference.

Cheers ... to the East Rutherford softball team for capturing the South Mountain Athletic Conference title this week.

Jeers ... to the state and federal agencies that reduced funding to Pisgah Legal Services to provide legal assistance to indigent victims of domestic violence and abuse who can not otherwise afford an attorney. While the Constitution guarantees legal representation to those accused of committing a crime, victims of crime are left to fend for themselves. If not for organizations like Pisgah Legal Services victims of crime who are poor are too often left without legal assistance.

Jeers ... to the state for not effectively regulating the safe operation on mopeds on public roads. There have been too many vehicular accidents recently involving mopeds that have resulted in serious injuries.

Cheers ... to the “new beginning” for the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge. This week, the Chamber said it is “renewed ... reinvigorated ... and resurgent.” That can prove to be a great asset for the Hickory Nut Gorge area and Rutherford County.

Cheers ... to Rutherford County native Jordan Barnes for his election to post of second vice president of the 10th Congressional District Republican Party. Regardless of the party, it is great to see the young people of the county become involved in public service.

Cheers ... to Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx on his nomination to become Secretary of the US Department of Transportation. Mayor Foxx’s support of a light rail transit system for the Charlotte area illustrates the type of creative multi-modal thinking needed to solve the nation’s complex transportation issues.

Cheers ... to Chase High School Teacher Jill Francis for being named Region 8 Teacher of the Year. Cheers also to Blue Bell Creameries for treating the entire Chase student body to ice cream treats in honor of Francis.

Cheers ... to the Rutherford County Symphony and their new conductor, Dr. Patricia Sparti, who will lead the orchestra in their Spring performance on Sunday at the Foundation. We urge everyone to enjoy this free concert and support your community symphonic orchestra.

To offer your own cheer or jeer for consideration, email Editor Matthew Clark at mclark@thedigitalcourier.com. Please put “Cheers and Jeers” in the subject line.